Plastic Products Research Articles

Repeated Mechanical Recycling of Biodegradable Polymers: PLA Exhibits Less Deterioration than PBAT/PLA Blend.

Biodegradable polymers have been extensively researched as alternatives to non-biodegradable fossil-based polymers. Although they reduce environmental impact, their production competes with land needed for food crops. Therefore, exploring their reuse and recycling is essential for enhancing their circular economy and sustainability. This study evaluated the recyclability of commercially available biodegradable polymers, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and its blend with poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT), across three cycles of mechanical recycling. Each cycle simulates plastic production, shelf-life, washing, and reprocessing stages. Samples were analysed after molding, ageing, and washing for each cycle using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile testing, and rheological analysis to track changes in crystallization, chemical structure, viscosity, and mechanical behaviors. Results indicated that both PLA and PBAT/PLA (55/45wt.%) blend showed a rise in crystallinity () due to the annealing effect of the ageing and washing. No changes in FTIR spectra and were detected after one recycling cycle, indicating stability. After three reprocessing cycles, second heating crystallinity rose from 2% to 13% for PLA and from 2% to 12% for PBAT/PLA (45 wt% PLA), indicating morphological changes from degradation and molecular weight reduction. Despite higher crystallinity and a more moderate decline in complex viscosity and storage modulus than PLA, PBAT/PLA showed reduced mechanical properties, with a 90% drop in elongation at break and nearly 50% in stress at break, highlighting the need for interventions to control PBAT degradation. PLA maintained strong mechanical properties, demonstrating its potential as a compostable recyclable material.

Innovations to overcome the current waste problem caused by single-use plastics in the pursuit of a circular economy

Plastic production continues to increase each year, yet only 9% are successfully recycled. This has impacted natural habitats and ecosystems, due to an uncontrolled amount of waste. The food industry is a major contributor to plastic waste. To counter this problem, the demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives, i.e. bio-based plastics, in the pursuit of a circular economy is increasing. As such, this problem is interconnected and at the resource nexus of particularly, food, material, waste, and ecosystem. This systematic review provides an overview of different innovations regarding materials and additives for bio-based plastics for packaging in the food industry. The paper argues that a majority of materials for bio-based plastics originate from the food industry’s value chain and utilizing these resources is essential to reduce waste and to create more value, essentially addressing the problem with a focus on the resource nexus. Moreover, the importance of developing biodegradable and recyclable plastics to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste is also highlighted, especially in the context of single-use food packaging. These findings and conclusions cumulated into a framework to differentiate the various materials and classify them regarding their biodegradability properties, origin (plant- or animal-based industry by-products and raw materials) and end-of-life scenarios. This contributes to the academic literature and practice by categorizing different kinds of materials, which might be labelled environmentally sustainable, particularly biodegradable, but which might not always be the case and critically discussing implications of this.

Характеристика нового штамма гриба Schizophyllum commune EO22 и его способности разлагать полиэтилен

The widespread and possessing extensive biotechnological potential xylotrophic basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune Fr. has a significant genetic variability. This actualizes the study of the fungus various strains to solve a complex of environmental problems, in particular, the disposal of plastic waste. The S. commune strain EO22 used in the work was isolated from rotting Acer negundo wood in the southern taiga subzone of the European Northeast (N58о35´, E49о69´, vicinity of Kirov). It is maintained in mycelial culture in laboratory conditions. The species identification was performed based on the morphology and sequencing result of the ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 fragment nucleotide sequence. The features of the growth and fruiting of mycelial culture EO22 on potato-sucrose and malt agar are described. The degradation potential of the S. commune strain EO22 was established in the experiment on co-incubation with low-pressure polyethylene (HDPE) film. HDPE is one of the most common environmental pollutants (64% of the total plastics production). The process of HDPE biodegradation was carried out exclusively by the dikaryotic type of mycelium and was accompanied by the forming of the fungus fruiting bodies. The results obtained are of interest in connection with the development of technologies for food protein production in the process of plastic waste utilization.

Development of poly(butylene oxalate-co-furanoate) copolymers with enhanced sustainability and hydrolytic degradability

Polyoxalate, a novel intrinsically hydrolysable polyester, garners significant interest for its high cost-effectiveness and versatility. However, concerns persist regarding its durability in practical applications. This study integrates bio-based poly(butylene furanoate) (PBF), which possesses remarkable barrier performance, into the poly(butylene oxalate) (PBOx) framework to synthesize poly(butylene oxalate‑co‑furanoate) (PBOF) with tunable degradation rates. The influence of incorporating BF units on thermal, crystalline, mechanical, and barrier properties was systematically analyzed. Results demonstrated the addition of BF units dramatically improved the balance between degradation and physical properties. Laboratory degradation experiments indicated that PBOF possessed significant degradation effects. Among them, PBOF-41 (with 41 % molar furanoate) decreased in weight by 20 % in freshwater, 70 % in an enzyme solution, and 8 % in artificial seawater within 30 days. After 28 days of degradation in soil, the residual weight was reduced to 80 % of its initial weight. Theoretical calculations and experiments have clarified the enhancement of the Gibbs free energy and energy barrier of the hydrolysis reaction by the BF unit. In summary, PBOF copolyesters have excellent gas barrier performance, adjustable thermal properties, well-balanced mechanical properties, and degradability, making them highly promising for sustainable plastic products.

Multiscale modeling and experimental study of molecular weight distribution and monomeric ratio in PHA production

While plastics have brought considerable convenience to our daily lives, most of them are still made up of petroleum-based materials. The plastic production industry accounts for a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emissions, and these products cause serious environmental pollution due to their poor degradability. Hence, bio-derived polymers have gained much research interest to substitute the existing plastic materials. Among them, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are regarded as the most promising candidate owing to their biocompatible and biodegradable nature. In particular, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB-co-4HB) is now in the limelight for its unique mechanical properties. However, understanding the sophisticated mechanism and structure is quite challenging, posing obstacles to its successful commercialization. In response to this difficulty, we devised a multiscale model using the kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) algorithm to enable capturing the extensive characteristics of PHA, including molecular weight distribution and monomeric ratio. Considering the different time and length scales of the overall process, the model is developed with two layers for the fermentation and polymerization reactions, and they are successfully integrated. The results not only validate the experimental results but also showcase a wide range of PHA information that cannot be measured through instrumental analyses.

Bisphenol A triggers activation of ocular immune system and aggravates allergic airway inflammation

Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in manufacturing plastic products, and it has been reported that exposure through the airway or orally aggravates allergic airway inflammation. Because BPA is detected in the atmosphere and indoor environments, the eyes can also be exposed to BPA. After ocular exposure to BPA and antigen via eye drops, we observed enhanced antigen uptake of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in tear duct-associated lymphoid tissue (TALT). Additionally, we observed the formation of germinal center (GC) B cells in TALT and induction of allergic airway inflammation in mice sensitized with BPA and antigen via eye drops, followed by airway antigen exposure. We also found that DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12)-deficient mice displayed impaired activation of APCs enhanced by ocular exposure to BPA. These results indicate that ocular sensitization to BPA and allergen triggers allergic inflammation via TALT activation, and that DAP12 might be a key molecule for modulating the ocular immune system.

Wastewater treatment using black soldier fly larvae: Influence of larval density and solid support

The use of Black Soldier Fly larvae for wastewater treatment has emerged as a promising alternative, coupling high removal efficiency with recovery of high-value products. To overcome the critical issue of larvae mortality in a liquid environment, a patented solution employs a physical porous support to be saturated by liquid, allowing larvae mobility. In view of process optimisation, a knowledge gap persists regarding both the optimal supporting material and larval density. The optimum supporting material and larval density should maximise the porosity (i.e. active volume of the reactor) and the removal efficiencies respectively, without compromising the survival rate. In the present study, three different plastic products (granules, pall rings and geomat) were tested at four different larval densities (4, 8, 16 and 32 larvae/cm2). Process performance was compared in terms of larval growth and substrate removal. An increase in larval density only impairs process once threshold density is exceeded. The threshold depended on the supporting material: higher porosity materials allow the use of higher larval densities, and therefore higher organic loads, with reduced reactor volumes.The best performance was achieved at larval density of 16 larvae/cm2 with pall rings, resulting in a survival rate and carbon removal efficiency of approx. 92 % and 97 % respectively.

Impact of high-pressure columbite phase of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on catalytic photoconversion of plastic waste and simultaneous hydrogen (H2) production

Photoreforming is a sustainable photocatalytic process that degrades plastic waste while simultaneously producing hydrogen (H2) from water. However, this process has received limited attention due to the scarcity of effective catalysts capable of both plastic degradation and H2 production, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this study, an active catalyst is developed by stabilizing the high-pressure orthorhombic phase of TiO2, known as columbite, using a high-pressure torsion (HPT) method. This material effectively degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic under light, converting it into valuable organic compounds such as formic acid, terephthalate, glycolic acid, and acetic acid. Additionally, it produces a significant amount of H2. The findings show that the high-pressure orthorhombic phase, especially in the presence of oxygen vacancies, enhances catalytic H2 production and microplastic degradation by increasing light absorption, reducing electron-hole recombination, and generating hydroxyl radicals. These results highlight the substantial potential of modified high-pressure TiO2 photocatalysts in simultaneously addressing the plastic waste crisis and the demand for H2 fuel.

Micro-wave induced pyrolysis of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and biodegradation of resulting wax in soil and by defined microbial consortia is closing the loop towards LDPE upcycling

Plastic has become essential in daily life, replacing traditional materials like glass and wood due to its flexibility, durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. However, the global plastic production surged to nearly 400 million tons in 2020, causing significant environmental accumulation. Polyethylene (PE), a ubiquitous polymer, poses recycling challenges due to its stability and widespread use in layered products, contributing to long-term pollution. This study focuses on PE degradation challenges, advocating for integrated chemical and biological treatments. Chemical methods like pyrolysis show promise but aren't fully eco-friendly. Microwave-induced pyrolysis emerges as a viable alternative, offering faster, targeted heating with lower energy consumption. Using microwave-absorbent materials such as silicon carbide, this method efficiently breaks down even challenging low-density PE (LDPE), yielding wax products of 68–91 % yield, with reduced molecular weight suitable for further biological degradation. Biodegradation experiments demonstrated over 95 % degradation by defined microbial consortia and considerable degradation in soil without bioaugmentation. The Rhodococcus consortium showed exceptional potential, degrading 90 % of LDPE-wax as a carbon source within 28 days, particularly strain CHBE-144 achieving 98 % degradation in just 14 days. Genomic analysis revealed enzymes crucial for alkane and plastic breakdown, with strains capable of producing biosurfactants, suggesting up-cycling potential for PE-derived materials into value-added products. Integrating microwave-induced pyrolysis with microbial biodegradation offers a promising pathway for managing PE waste sustainably, potentially reducing environmental impact while creating valuable resources from plastic waste. Further research is warranted to optimize these processes and scale them for practical application in waste management and resource recovery efforts globally.

Microplastic detectives: a citizen-science project reveals large variation in meso- and microplastic pollution along German coastlines

Plastic production and plastic waste have increased to such an extent that it has become globally ubiquitous. Several studies already have investigated the meso- and microplastic pollution along the German Baltic and North Sea coasts, but were all limited to a few locations. To obtain representative bulk samples from sandy beaches along the entire German coast, we initiated a citizen-science project entitled “Microplastic Detectives.” Here, we describe in detail 1) how we recruited, instructed, and engaged citizen scientists, 2) why we chose bulk sampling over reduced-volume sampling, and 3) the laboratory methods we used. The citizen scientists collected 1,139 samples from 71 locations along the German coast, totalling 2.2 tons of sand. After drying, sieving with a 1 mm sieve, and visual inspection of the retained fraction under a binocular microscope, all putative plastic particles ≥1 mm were analysed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. 177 out of 1,139 samples (15.5%) contained a total of 260 plastic particles, with a large right-skewed variation among locations. Most of the particles were fragments, foils, foams, fibres, and pellets (96.2% in total), and 89.6% of the particles were made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polystyrene. The unweighted mean pollution densities were 4.12 particles m−2, 0.17 particles kg−1 and 0.27 particles L−1, and the weighted mean pollution densities were 3.77 particles m−2, 0.11 particles kg−1 and 0.18 particles L−1. These densities are lower than in other similar studies, but previous studies had important methodological differences. We discuss how these differences could have influenced the results and make recommendations for improving future studies. Two important recommendations are 1) to use random or stratified random sampling and 2) to run transects perpendicular (rather than parallel) to the waterline. Our study highlights that large-scale, scientifically rigorous monitoring of meso- and microplastic pollution is possible at the national level, and possibly even at much larger spatial and temporal scales. With the help of local authorities, such a monitoring program could be established.

Long-term PS micro/nano-plastic exposure: Particle size effects on hepatopancreas injury in Parasesarma pictum

With the widespread use of plastic products, microplastics and nanoplastics have emerged as prevalent pollutants in coastal aquatic ecosystems. Parasesarma pictum, a common estuarine crab species, was selected as a model organism. P. pictum was exposed to polystyrene (PS) particles of sizes 80 nm (80PS), 500 nm (500PS), and 1000 nm (1000PS), as well as to clean seawater (CK) for 21 days. Histological and fluorescent staining results showed that PS particles of all three sizes induced hepatopancreatic nuclear pyknosis, cell junction damage, and necrosis. The degree of damage was observed as 1000PS > 80PS > 500PS. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that major differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with cellular processes, membrane components, and catalytic activity. The respiratory chain disruptions and immune exhaustion induced by 1000PS were notably stronger than those by 80PS and 500PS. Additionally, necrosis caused hepatopancreas injury in P. pictum rather than apoptosis or autophagy after long-term PS particle exposure. Furthermore, PS particles of all three sizes inhibited innate immunity, while the complement pathway was not significantly affected in the 80PS group. This study elucidated potential distinctions in how plastic particles of varying sizes (nanoplastics, microplastics, and micro/nanoplastics) impact P. pictum, providing a reference for toxicological mechanism research on microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic organisms. Future research should focus on exploring long-term effects and potential mitigation strategies for microplastics and nanoplastics of more types and a wider range of particle size pollution in aquatic environments.

In-silico characterization of a hypothetical protein of Sulfobacillus sp. hq2 for degradation of phthalate diesters

Phthalate plasticizers are hazardous compounds capable of causing endocrine disruption, cancers, and developmental disorders. Phthalate diesters are commonly used plasticizers in plastic products (PVC pipes) that leach out into the environment due to changes in temperature, pressure, and pH, posing harmful effects on different life forms. Bioremediation of phthalate diesters utilizing bacterial esterase has been recognized as an efficient approach but few effective esterases capable of degrading a wide range of phthalate diesters have been identified. Further, the thermostability of these esterases is a highly desirable property for their applications in diverse in-situ conditions. In this present in-silico study a hypothetical protein (POB10642.1) as a high-potential esterase from a thermostable strain of Sulfobacillus sp. hq2 has been characterized. Analysis revealed a significant sequence identity of 42.67 % and structural similarity (RMSD 0.557) with known phthalate diester degrading EstS1 esterase and a high Tm range of 55–66 °C. Structural analysis revealed the presence of two cavities on the surface mediating toward the catalytic site forming a catalytic tunnel. The enzyme POB10642.1 has significant molecular docking binding energies in the range of −5.4 to −7.5 kcal/mol with several phthalate diesters, including Diethyl phthalate, Dipropyl phthalate, Dibutyl phthalate, Dipentyl phthalate, Dihexyl phthalate, Benzyl butyl phthalate, Dicyclohexyl phthalate, and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. High stability of binding during 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations revealed efficient and stable binding of the enzyme with a wide range of phthalate diesters at its active site, demonstrating the ability of the identified esterase to interact with and degrade diverse phthalate diesters. Therefore, POB10642.1 esterase can be an efficient candidate to be utilized in the development of enzyme-based bioremediation technologies to reduce the toxic levels of phthalate diesters.

Characteristics, drivers and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in the surface water of urban rivers in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities - A case study of Dongguan city

In the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), microplastic pollution in urban rivers is a prominent problem due to the developed economy and high industrial intensity. Using the Xiaohai River, Hanxi River and Dongguan Canal in Dongguan City, an important node city in the GBA, as an example, microplastic characteristics, drivers and ecological risks in the surface water of three rivers were investigated. Results showed that the average abundance of rivers in the wet period (1646.22 ± 154.73 items/m3) was 4.7 times higher than that in the dry period (351.09 ± 34.2 items/m3). Microplastics were mainly in the form of fragments and fibers, with a size range of 30–500 μm, and appeared transparent with white color. The microplastic polymer types PE, PP, PET and PA accounted for more than 70%. There are large differences in the characteristics of microplastic pollution during different hydrological periods. Redundancy analysis showed that the distribution of plastics, chemical materials, packaging and printing industries along the rivers dominated the differences in microplastic abundance. The electronic information industry contributed most to the composition of microplastic polymer types. The polymer hazard index, pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index for rivers indicate a medium-high risk classification or higher. Therefore, the industrial layout along the urban rivers should be rationalized, the disposal of microplastics in wastewater should be increased, and the use of green plastic products should be promoted. This study provides support for the management of microplastic pollution in urban surface water in the GBA.

Biodegradable microplastics can cause more serious loss of soil organic carbon by priming effect than conventional microplastics in farmland shelterbelts

Abstract Globally, the widespread utilization of plastic products has resulted in the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the soil. MPs have the potential to impact the loss of soil organic carbon (SOC). Nevertheless, the influence of different types of MPs on SOC loss remains uncertain. In this study, a 38 day incubation experiment with two kinds of conventional MPs (polyethylene, polypropylene) as well as two kinds of biodegradable MPs (polyhydroxyalkanoate [PHA], polylactic acid [PLA]) were added into three types of soil (loam, sandy loam, and sandy soil) in farmland shelterbelts, and the sources of CO2 emissions was distinguished by the difference in 13C isotope abundance between the biodegradable MPs (PHA and PLA) (−10.02‰ to −9.92‰) and the soil (−24.39‰ to −22.86‰) (>10‰). In conjunction with the structural characterization of MPs, as well as soil physicochemical properties and microbial characteristics, we observed that the conventional MPs did not degrade in short term incubation, but significantly enhance soil‐derived CO2 emissions by altering the dissolved N content (‐N and dissolved total N [DTN]) and reducing microbial biomass carbon content only in sandy loam soil (p < 0.05). Biodegradable MPs degraded significantly, and enhanced soil‐derived CO2 emissions by reducing soil DTN and ‐N contents in loam, sandy loam and sandy soil (p < 0.05). Overall, the input of biodegradable MPs causes a more serious loss of SOC than conventional MPs as the soil sand content increased in short term incubation, which needs to be considered in predicting the global impact of increasing biodegradable MPs pollution. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Integrated approach of waste analysis and life cycle assessment for the management of non-recyclable plastics in recycling shops

The unbound usage of plastic products in modern society has brought convenience and poses significant environmental challenges. Recycling Shops (RS) are vital in mitigating plastic waste problems in urban waste management. During the recycling process, RS generates non-recyclable plastics that demand scientific solutions for its management. This study conducted material flow analysis (MFA) to estimate the yearly recycled plastic waste in the RSs of Khulna City. Subsequently, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to explore the suitable management facilities for non-recyclable plastics. The results highlighted the contribution of the informal plastic recycling sector to the city's waste management system by recycling 6324 tons of plastic waste per year. Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) were the most abundant polymers among the recycling plastics in RS. The LCA results revealed that among the five considered cases, Open Burning showed the maximum impact on the environment while Sanitary Landfill exhibited the lowest environmental impact across eighteen impact categories. The sanitary landfilling of non-recyclable plastics was identified as an environmentally friendly approach for managing non-recyclable plastics. This study addressed the urgency for appropriately managing non-recyclable plastics to protect the human and environment from plastic pollution in Bangladesh including recommendations for improving current practices.

Exploring the pyrolytic degradation of seventeen phthalate esters using the non-targeted regions of interest-multivariate curve resolution (ROIMCR) chemometric method

The global use of phthalate esters (PAEs) in plastic production entails a need for developing effective remediation strategies to minimize exposure and health risks. In this study, pyrolysis degradation processes are evaluated for 17 different PAEs that were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC-Orbitrap-MS) at different temperatures (300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C) both in electron ionization (EI) and positive chemical ionization (PCI) mode. All the analytical data generated have been processed with the Regions of Interest Multivariate Curve Resolution (ROIMCR) chemometrics method. A preliminary selection of the Mass Spectrometry Regions of Interest (ROIs) coupled to a bilinear factor decomposition method (MCR-ALS) allowed the identification of 4 principal components, which were used to define the thermal degradation process. ROIMCR method is a powerful tool for non-targeted analysis which allows the resolution of the elution and spectral profiles of the different constituents present in the analyzed samples, which were confirmed using PCI. Moreover, ROIMCR was used to resolve and identify the different products generated during the studied degradation processes. As a result, 10 new thermal degradation products were identified in the analysis of the different sample sets. Finally, the degradation efficiencies higher than 99.8 % were obtained for all the PAEs at 800 °C, except for benzoic acid-benzyl ester, whose removal efficiency decreased to 94.8 %. As phthalates are widespread and toxic compounds for the environment and for humans, there is a need for new remediation technologies. This study provides new knowledge to understand their elimination through thermal processes. We combine mass spectrometric data with powerful chemometric processing to determine the removal efficiency, to understand the degradation process and to identify the degradation compounds formed through thermal decomposition.

Stochastic dynamics mass spectrometric and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic structural analyses of composite biodegradable plastics

<p>The (partial) replacement of synthetic polymers with bioplastics is due to increased production of conventional packaging plastics causing for severe environmental pollution with plastics waste. The bioplastics, however, represent complex mixtures of known and unknown (bio)polymers, fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, flame retardant, pigments, antioxidants, hydrophobic polymers such as poly(lactic acid), polyethylene, polyesters, glycol, or poly(butylene succinate), and little is known of their chemical safety for both the environment and the human health. Polymerization reactions of bioplastics can produce no intentionally added chemicals to the bulk material, which could be toxic, as well. When polymers are used to food packing, then the latter chemicals could also migrate from the polymer to food. This fact compromises the safety for consumers, as well. The scarce data on chemical safety of bioplastics makes a gap in knowledge of their toxicity to humans and environment. Thus, development of exact analytical protocols for determining chemicals of bioplastics in environmental and food samples as well as packing polymers can only provide warrant for reliable conclusive evidence of their safety for both the human health and the environment. The task is compulsory according to legislation Directives valid to environmental protection, food control, and assessment of the risk to human health. The quantitative and structural determination of analytes is primary research task of analysis of polymers. The methods of mass spectrometry are fruitfully used for these purposes. Methodological development of exact analytical mass spectrometric tools for reliable structural analysis of bioplastics only guarantees their safety, efficacy, and quality to both humans and environment. This study, first, highlights innovative stochastic dynamics equations processing exactly mass spectrometric measurands and, thus, producing exact analyte quantification and 3D molecular and electronic structural analyses. There are determined synthetic polymers such as poly(ethylenglycol), poly(propylene glycol), and polyisoprene as well as biopolymers in bags for foodstuffs made from renewable cellulose and starch, and containing, in total within the 20,416–17,495 chemicals per sample of the composite biopolymers. Advantages of complementary employment in mass spectrometric methods and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is highlighted. The study utilizes ultra-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometric and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic data on biodegradable plastics bags for foodstuffs; high accuracy quantum chemical static methods, molecular dynamics; and chemometrics. There is achieved method performance |<em>r</em>| = 0.99981 determining poly(propylene glycol) in bag for foodstuff containing 20,416 species and using stochastic dynamics mass spectrometric formulas. The results highlight their great capability and applicability to the analytical science as well as relevance to both the fundamental research and to the industry.</p>

A Systematic Review on the Technical Performance and Sustainability of 3D Printing Filaments Using Recycled Plastic

Over the past 40 years, global plastic production has increased twenty-fold, prompting efforts to mitigate plastic waste. Recycling has emerged as the predominant strategy for sustainable plastic waste management. As additive manufacturing (AM) continues to evolve, integrating recycled plastics with various additives has gained significant attention. This systematic literature review, conducted in full accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, aims to evaluate and compare the properties and effects of recycled plastics and their additives in AM. Specifically, it examines the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of these materials, along with their life cycle environmental and economic implications. A total of 88 research publications, spanning from 2013 to 2023, were analyzed. The databases searched include Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, with the final search conducted in December 2023. Studies were selected through a four-stage process—identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion—based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using five criteria: credibility, scope, clarity, methodology, and analysis quality. The results show that most research focuses on the mechanical properties of recycled plastics, with significant gaps in understanding their thermal and rheological properties. Additionally, there is limited research on the environmental and economic viability of these materials, highlighting the need for integrated life cycle assessments and eco-efficiency analyses. This review offers additive manufacturing professionals a comprehensive understanding of the thermal, mechanical, and rheological performance of recycled plastics and additives, supporting efforts to improve sustainability in the industry.

Microplastics and Environment: A mini Review on Detection, Removal, Health Issues and Regulation on India’s Perspective

Plastics production has increased due to its flexibility, stability, lightweight, and low production costs. These plastics degrade through a variety of processes and lose their structural integrity. Plastics degrade extensively, eventually forming microscopic-sized plastics known as microplastics (MPs). MPs are small-sized and easily passed throughout the food chain. Exposure to MPs through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption can harm human health. Interdisciplinary collaboration will provide a comprehensive view of MP’s effects. Researchers will collaborate with politicians and the public to improve the waste management practices of MPs by emphasizing recyclability and altering plastic manufacturing methods. This review provides an insight into the occurrence, detection, removal, and toxicological effects as well as challenges and regulations for MPs in a nutshell.

Investigation of the Properties of Unsaturated Allyl Alcohol and its Oxidation Reaction Products

Abstract Organic substances in which the -OH group is directly attached to the carbon atom are called alcohols. Unsaturated alcohols are obtained by replacing the hydrogen of ethylene or acetylene-type compounds with a hydroxyl group. Allyl alcohol, the first representative of the class of unsaturated alcohols, contains oxygen. Allyl alcohol is used in optical resins, protective glasses, paints and coatings and polymer cross-linking agents, as well as in the production of pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, plastics, herbicides, and pesticides. In organic chemistry, alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters that carry a higher oxidation state of carbon. Therefore, the selective oxidation of alcohols is an important issue. The properties and selective oxidation reaction of allyl alcohol were investigated in the presented work.